Coffee Holder and Coffee Maker Combination for Tamping Coffee

ABSTRACT

A coffee maker and coffee holder cooperate to tamp coffee in the coffee holder. The coffee holder may include a top tamping spring, a bottom tamping spring, or a top or bottom passage allowing entry of a tamper into the coffee holder. The coffee maker includes an actuator above or below the coffee holder, or a fixed tamper attached to a ceiling or platform of the coffee maker. The coffee holder may be inserted between the ceiling and platform, or into a moving drawer of the coffee maker. The actuator may be a solenoid actuator or a hydraulic actuator actuated by water pressure of heated water used for brewing.

The present application is a Continuation In Part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/610,181 filed Oct. 30, 2009, and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/620,584 filed Nov. 17, 2009, and of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/762,262 filed Apr. 16, 2010, which applicationsare incorporated in their entirety herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to coffee makers and in particular to acoffee maker utilizing a stream of hot water through tamped groundcoffee.

Coffee is generally prepared in a coffee maker by measuring an amount ofground coffee into a coffee filter, closing a lid over the groundcoffee, and providing a stream of hot water through the loosely packedground coffee. Unfortunately, water passes freely through the looselypacked ground coffee and does not obtain the full flavor which mightotherwise be obtained.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/610,181 filed Oct. 30, 2009 for“Self Tamping Coffee Holder” filed by the present applicant furtherdiscloses a coffee making apparatus and methods which provide a tampedpacking of loose ground coffee thereby obtaining richer flavor. Thecoffee maker includes a reservoir, a pump, a heater, and a check valve.Coffee grounds are first loosely deposited in a coffee holder and thentamped onto a compacted state. The coffee holder may be filled looselywith the coffee and then placed into the coffee making apparatus andcompacted, or the coffee may be compacted in the coffee holder and thenthe coffee holder placed into the coffee making apparatus. Thecompacting may be by a spring or by a resilient solid material and maybe part of the coffee holder or part of the coffee making apparatus.

Further, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/620,584 filed Nov. 17, 2009for “Self Tamping Coffee Holder” filed by the present applicant furtherdiscloses a self-tamping coffee holder which tamps loose ground coffeeobtaining richer flavor. The coffee holder includes a holder base and aholder cap. Coffee is loosely deposited in the coffee holder and theholder cap is attached to the holder base. An internal filter chamberholds the coffee and allows tamping of the coffee into a compactedstate. The filter chamber may be formed by a fixed filter or by aremovable filter constructed of filter paper, nylon mesh, metal mesh, orany material capable of holding the coffee while allowing a flow ofheated water through the coffee. The tamping may be by a spring or by aresilient solid material attached to the coffee holder and may push thecoffee down inside the filter or push the filter and the coffee upagainst the holder lid. While the '181 and '584 applications disclosetamping coffee, they do not disclose a variety of embodiments ofcooperating coffee holders and coffee makers for tamping.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses the above and other needs by providing acoffee maker and coffee holder which cooperate to tamp coffee in thecoffee holder. The coffee holder may include a top tamping spring, abottom tamping spring, or a top or bottom passage allowing entry of atamper into the coffee holder. The coffee maker includes an actuatorabove or below the coffee holder, or a fixed tamper attached to aceiling or platform of the coffee maker. The coffee holder may beinserted between the ceiling and platform, or into a moving drawer ofthe coffee maker. The actuator may be a solenoid actuator, or ahydraulic actuator actuated by water pressure of heated water used forbrewing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will be more apparent from the following more particulardescription thereof, presented in conjunction with the followingdrawings wherein:

FIG. 1A is a front view of a coffee maker according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 1B is a side view of the coffee maker according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 1C is a top view of the coffee maker according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the coffee maker with an open lid allowingplacement of a coffee holder according to the present invention insidethe coffee maker.

FIG. 2A is a functional diagram of the coffee maker.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a first coffee holder according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the first coffee holderaccording to the present invention taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional side view of the first coffee holderaccording to the present invention taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3showing an empty coffee holder with the tamping spring and the bottomtamper according to the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional side view of the first coffee holderaccording to the present invention taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3showing the coffee holder with the tamping spring and bottom tamper, aportion of coffee, and the holder lid ready to attach to a holder bodyaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional side view of the first coffee holderaccording to the present invention taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3showing the coffee holder with the tamping spring and bottom tamper, theportion of coffee in the coffee holder, and the holder lid ready toattach to the holder body according to the present invention.

FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional side view of the first coffee holderaccording to the present invention taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3showing the coffee holder with the tamping spring and bottom tamper, theportion of coffee in the coffee holder, and the holder lid attached tothe coffee holder body, according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the first holder lid.

FIG. 7A is a side view of a filter paper cup according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 7B is a top view of the filter paper cup according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 7C is a second embodiment of the filter paper cup with a lid.

FIG. 8A shows the first coffee holder ready for insertion into thecoffee maker.

FIG. 8B shows the first coffee holder inserted into the coffee makerbefore tamping the coffee.

FIG. 8C shows the first coffee holder inserted into the coffee makerafter tamping the coffee.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a second coffee holder according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the second coffee holderaccording to the present invention taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional side view of the second coffee holderaccording to the present invention taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9showing an empty coffee holder with the tamping spring and the toptamper according to the present invention.

FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional side view of the second coffee holderaccording to the present invention taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9showing the coffee holder with the holder lid, tamping spring and toptamper, and a portion of coffee, ready to attach according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional side view of the second coffee holderaccording to the present invention taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9showing the portion of untamped coffee in the coffee holder, and theholder lid, tamping spring and top tamper, ready to attach to the holderbase, according to the present invention.

FIG. 11D is a cross-sectional side view of the second coffee holderaccording to the present invention taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9showing the portion of coffee in the coffee holder and the tampingspring, top tamper, and the holder lid attached to the coffee holder,according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the second holder lid.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the bottom tamper.

FIG. 14A shows the second coffee holder ready for insertion into thecoffee maker.

FIG. 14B shows the second coffee holder inserted into the coffee makerbefore tamping the coffee.

FIG. 14C shows the second coffee holder inserted into the coffee makerafter tamping the coffee.

FIG. 15 is a side view of a third coffee holder according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional side view of the third coffee holderaccording to the present invention taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17A is a cross-sectional side view of the third coffee holderaccording to the present invention taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 15showing the portion of coffee above the coffee holder and the top tamperand the holder lid ready to attach to the coffee holder, according tothe present invention.

FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional side view of the third coffee holderaccording to the present invention taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 15showing the portion of coffee in the coffee holder, and the top tamperand the holder lid ready to attach to the coffee holder, according tothe present invention.

FIG. 17C is a cross-sectional side view of the third coffee holderaccording to the present invention taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 15showing the portion of coffee in the coffee holder, and the bottomtamper, the top tamper, and the holder lid attached to the coffeeholder, according to the present invention.

FIG. 18A shows the third coffee holder ready for insertion into a secondcoffee maker according to the present invention.

FIG. 18B shows the third coffee holder inserted into the coffee makerbefore tamping the coffee.

FIG. 18C shows the third coffee holder inserted into the coffee makerafter tamping the coffee.

FIG. 19 is a side view of a fourth coffee holder according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional side view of the fourth coffee holderaccording to the present invention taken along line 20-20 of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21A is a cross-sectional side view of the fourth coffee holderaccording to the present invention taken along line 20-20 of FIG. 19showing the coffee holder with the bottom tamper, a portion of coffee,and the holder lid ready to attach, according to the present invention.

FIG. 21B is a cross-sectional side view of the fourth coffee holderaccording to the present invention taken along line 20-20 of FIG. 19showing the coffee holder with the bottom tamper, a portion of coffee inthe coffee holder, and the holder lid ready to attach, according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 21C is a cross-sectional side view of the fourth coffee holderaccording to the present invention taken along line 20-20 of FIG. 19showing the coffee holder with the bottom tamper, a portion of coffee inthe coffee holder, and the holder lid attached, according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 22A shows the fourth coffee holder ready for insertion into thecoffee maker.

FIG. 22B shows the fourth coffee holder inserted into the coffee makerbefore tamping the coffee.

FIG. 22C shows the fourth coffee holder inserted into the coffee makerafter tamping the coffee.

FIG. 23A shows the fourth coffee holder ready for insertion into thecoffee maker having a tamping block according to the present invention.

FIG. 23B shows the fourth coffee holder inserted into the coffee makerhaving the tamping block before tamping the coffee.

FIG. 23C shows the fourth coffee holder inserted into the coffee makerhaving the tamping block after tamping the coffee.

FIG. 24 is a side view of a fifth coffee holder according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional side view of the fifth coffee holderaccording to the present invention taken along line 25-25 of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26A is a cross-sectional side view of the fifth coffee holderaccording to the present invention taken along line 25-25 of FIG. 24showing the portion of coffee above the coffee holder body, and theholder lid with the top tamper and tamping spring, ready to attach tothe coffee holder body, according to the present invention.

FIG. 26B is a cross-sectional side view of the fifth coffee holderaccording to the present invention taken along line 25-25 of FIG. 24showing the coffee holder with the portion of coffee in the coffeeholder, and the holder lid with the top tamper and tamping spring readyto attach to the coffee holder body, according to the present invention.

FIG. 26C is a cross-sectional side view of the fifth coffee holderaccording to the present invention taken along line 25-25 of FIG. 24showing the portion of coffee in the coffee holder, and the holder lidwith the top tamper and tamping spring attached to the holder body,according to the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a side view of a sixth coffee holder according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional side view of the sixth coffee holderaccording to the present invention taken along line 28-28 of FIG. 27.

FIG. 29A is a cross-sectional side view of the sixth coffee holderaccording to the present invention taken along line 28-28 of FIG. 27showing the portion of coffee above the coffee holder, and the holderlid ready to attach to the holder body, according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 29B is a cross-sectional side view of the sixth coffee holderaccording to the present invention taken along line 28-28 of FIG. 27showing the portion of coffee in the coffee holder, and the holder lidready to attach to the holder body, according to the present invention.

FIG. 29C is a cross-sectional side view of the sixth coffee holderaccording to the present invention taken along line 28-28 of FIG. 27showing the portion of coffee in the coffee holder, and the holder lidattached and tamping the coffee, according to the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a side view of a seventh coffee holder according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional side view of the seventh coffee holderaccording to the present invention taken along line 31-31 of FIG. 30.

FIG. 32A is a cross-sectional side view of the seventh coffee holderaccording to the present invention taken along line 31-31 of FIG. 30showing the portion of coffee above the coffee holder, and the holderlid ready to attach to the holder body, according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 32B is a cross-sectional side view of the seventh coffee holderaccording to the present invention taken along line 31-31 of FIG. 30showing the portion of coffee in the coffee holder, and the holder lidready to attach to the holder body, according to the present invention.

FIG. 32C is a cross-sectional side view of the seventh coffee holderaccording to the present invention taken along line 31-31 of FIG. 30showing the portion of coffee in the coffee holder, and the holder lidattached to the holder body and the coffee tamped between the bottomtamper and spring and the holder lid, according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 33 is a side view of an eighth coffee holder according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 34A is a cross-sectional side view of the eighth coffee holdertaken along line 34-34 of FIG. 33 showing a portion of coffee forplacing inside the coffee holder and the holder lid with an insertableportion and an O-ring inside the coffee holder for sealing according tothe present invention.

FIG. 34B is a cross-sectional side view of the eighth coffee holdertaken along line 34-34 of FIG. 33 showing the portion of coffee insidethe coffee holder and the holder lid with the insertable portioninserted into the coffee holder and cooperating with the O-Ring insidethe coffee holder for sealing.

FIG. 35 is a side view of a ninth coffee holder according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 36A is a cross-sectional side view of the ninth coffee holder takenalong line 36-36 of FIG. 35 showing a portion of coffee for placinginside the coffee holder and a holder lid with a threaded portion forscrewing inside the holder body for sealing according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 36B is a cross-sectional side view of the ninth coffee holder takenalong line 36-36 of FIG. 35 showing the portion of coffee inside thecoffee holder and a holder lid with the threaded portion screwed intothe holder body and tamping the coffee according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 37A shows a third coffee maker having a coffee holder for receivinga portion of coffee and tamping spring according to the presentinvention for tamping the coffee when the coffee maker lid is closed.

FIG. 37B shows the third coffee maker with the coffee holder holding theportion of coffee and the tamping spring under the coffee holderaccording to the present invention for tamping the coffee when thecoffee maker lid is closed.

FIG. 37C shows the third coffee maker with the coffee holder holding theportion of tamped coffee with the coffee maker lid closed for tampingthe coffee according to the present invention.

FIG. 38A shows a third coffee maker having a coffee holder for receivinga portion of coffee and tamping spring attached to the coffee maker lidaccording to the present invention for tamping the coffee when thecoffee maker lid is closed.

FIG. 38B shows the third coffee maker with the coffee holder holding theportion of untamped coffee according to the present invention fortamping the coffee when the coffee maker lid is closed.

FIG. 38C shows the third coffee maker with the coffee holder holding theportion of tamped coffee with the coffee maker lid closed to push thetamping spring into the coffee holder for tamping the coffee accordingto the present invention.

FIG. 39A shows a fourth coffee maker having a coffee holder forreceiving a packet containing untamped coffee, a knife for cutting thepacket open, and tamping spring attached to the coffee maker lidaccording to the present invention for tamping the coffee when thecoffee maker lid is closed.

FIG. 39B shows the fourth coffee maker with the coffee holder holdingthe packet of untamped coffee according to the present invention fortamping the coffee when the coffee maker lid is closed.

FIG. 39C shows the fourth coffee maker with the coffee holder holdingthe packet of tamped coffee with the coffee maker lid closed to push thetamping spring into the coffee holder for tamping the coffee accordingto the present invention.

FIG. 40A shows a fifth coffee maker accepting a horizontal coffee holderand tamping spring residing horizontally in a coffee holder cavityaccording to the present invention for tamping the coffee when thecoffee maker lid is closed.

FIG. 40B shows the fifth coffee maker with the coffee holder residinghorizontally in the coffee holder cavity according to the presentinvention for tamping the coffee when the coffee maker lid is closed.

FIG. 40C shows the fifth coffee maker with the coffee holder residinghorizontally in the coffee holder cavity with the coffee maker lidclosed and the coffee holder pushed against the tamping spring fortamping the coffee, according to the present invention.

FIG. 41 is a side view of a tenth coffee holder with straight wallsaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the tenth coffee holder taken alongline 42-42 of FIG. 41 showing an empty coffee holder.

FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of the tenth coffee holder taken alongline 42-42 of FIG. 41 showing a full and tamped coffee holder.

FIG. 44 is a side view of an eleventh coffee holder with straight wallsaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view of the eleventh coffee holder takenalong line 45-45 of FIG. 44 showing an empty coffee holder.

FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of the eleventh coffee holder takenalong line 45-45 of FIG. 41 showing a full and tamped coffee holder.

FIG. 47A is a side view of a top tamper.

FIG. 47B is a top view of the top tamper.

FIG. 47C is a side view of a top tamper with a seal according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 47D is a top view of the top tamper with a seal.

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of a filter paper cup with a folding cuplid.

FIG. 49 is a side view of an twelfth coffee holder with straight wallsaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view of the twelfth coffee holder takenalong line 50-50 of FIG. 49 showing an empty coffee holder.

FIG. 51A is a cross-sectional view of the twelfth coffee holder takenalong line 50-50 of FIG. 49 showing a lid, coffee, a filter paper cup,above the base, and the coffee holder base.

FIG. 51B is a cross-sectional view of the twelfth coffee holder takenalong line 50-50 of FIG. 49 showing the lid, above the coffee and thefilter paper cup resting in the coffee holder base.

FIG. 51C is a cross-sectional view of the twelfth coffee holder takenalong line 50-50 of FIG. 49 showing the lid, above the coffee and thefilter paper cup resting in the coffee holder base with a filter papercover folded over the coffee in the filter paper cup.

FIG. 51D is a cross-sectional view of the twelfth coffee holder takenalong line 50-50 of FIG. 49 showing the lid attached to the base withthe coffee and the filter paper cup residing in the coffee holder basewith the coffee tamped.

FIG. 52 is a side view of a thirteenth coffee holder with a releasabletamping latch according to the present invention.

FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional view of the thirteenth coffee holder takenalong line 53-53 of FIG. 52 showing an empty coffee holder.

FIG. 54A is a cross-sectional view of the thirteenth coffee holder takenalong line 53-53 of FIG. 52 showing a lid, coffee, a filter paper cup,above the base, and the coffee holder base, with the tamping latchretaining the bottom tamper.

FIG. 54B is a cross-sectional view of the thirteenth coffee holder takenalong line 53-53 of FIG. 52 showing the lid, above the coffee and thefilter paper cup resting in the coffee holder base, with the tampinglatch retaining the bottom tamper.

FIG. 54C is a cross-sectional view of the thirteenth coffee holder takenalong line 53-53 of FIG. 52 showing the lid, above the coffee and thefilter paper cup resting in the coffee holder base with the tampinglatch retaining the bottom tamper.

FIG. 54D is a cross-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder takenalong line 53-53 of FIG. 52 showing the lid attached to the base withthe coffee and the filter paper cup residing in the coffee holder basewith tamping latch released and the coffee tamped.

FIG. 55 is a side view of a fourteenth coffee holder with a releasabletamping latch according to the present invention.

FIG. 56 is a cross-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder takenalong line 56-56 of FIG. 55 showing an empty coffee holder.

FIG. 57A is a cross-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder takenalong line 56-56 of FIG. 55 showing a lid, coffee, a filter paper cup,above the base, and the coffee holder base, with the tamping latchretaining the bottom tamper.

FIG. 57B is a cross-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder takenalong line 56-56 of FIG. 55 showing the lid, above the coffee and thefilter paper cup resting in the coffee holder base, with the tampinglatch retaining the bottom tamper.

FIG. 57C is a cross-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder takenalong line 56-56 of FIG. 55 showing the lid, above the coffee and thefilter paper cup resting in the coffee holder base, with the tampinglatch released but just prior to tamping.

FIG. 57D is a cross-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder takenalong line 56-56 of FIG. 55 showing the lid attached to the base withthe coffee and the filter paper cup residing in the coffee holder basewith tamping latch released and the coffee tamped.

FIG. 58 is a side view of a fourteenth coffee holder with a releasabletamping lock according to the present invention.

FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder takenalong line 59-59 of FIG. 58 showing an empty coffee holder.

FIG. 60A is a cross-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder takenalong line 59-59 of FIG. 58 showing a lid, coffee, a filter paper cup,above the base, and the coffee holder base, with the tamping lockretaining the bottom tamper.

FIG. 60B is a cross-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder takenalong line 59-59 of FIG. 58 showing the lid, above the coffee and thefilter paper cup resting in the coffee holder base, with the tampinglock retaining the bottom tamper.

FIG. 60C is a cross-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder takenalong line 59-59 of FIG. 58 showing the lid, above the coffee and thefilter paper cup resting in the coffee holder base prior to tamping.

FIG. 60D is a cross-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder takenalong line 59-59 of FIG. 58 showing the lid attached to the base withthe coffee and the filter paper cup residing in the coffee holder basewith tamping lock released and the coffee tamped.

FIG. 61 is a top view of a lock according to the present invention.

FIG. 62 is a bottom view of a second bottom tamper with cooperates withthe tamping lock according to the present invention.

FIGS. 63A-63C show a ramped lower shelf embodiment of the coffee holderwith a bottom tamping spring and coffee maker according to the presentinvention.

FIGS. 64A-64C show a ramped lower shelf embodiment of the coffee holderwith a top tamping spring and coffee maker according to the presentinvention.

FIGS. 65A-65C show a springed lower shelf embodiment of the coffeeholder with a bottom tamping spring and coffee maker according to thepresent invention.

FIGS. 66A-66C show a springed lower shelf embodiment of the coffeeholder with a top tamping spring and coffee maker according to thepresent invention.

FIGS. 67A-67C show a ramped ceiling embodiment of the coffee holder witha bottom tamping spring and coffee maker according to the presentinvention.

FIGS. 68A-68C show a ramped ceiling embodiment of the coffee holder witha top tamping spring and coffee maker according to the presentinvention.

FIGS. 69A-69C show a springed ceiling embodiment of the coffee holderwith a bottom tamping spring and coffee maker according to the presentinvention.

FIGS. 70A-70C show a springed ceiling embodiment of the coffee holderwith a top tamping spring and coffee maker according to the presentinvention.

FIGS. 71A-71C show a bottom solenoid embodiment of the coffee holderwith a bottom tamping spring and coffee maker according to the presentinvention.

FIGS. 72A-72C show a bottom solenoid embodiment of the coffee holderwith a top tamping spring and coffee maker according to the presentinvention.

FIGS. 73A-73C show a top solenoid embodiment of the coffee holder with abottom tamping spring and coffee maker according to the presentinvention.

FIGS. 74A-74C show a top solenoid embodiment of the coffee holder with atop tamping spring and coffee maker according to the present invention.

FIGS. 75A-75C show a top solenoid embodiment of the coffee holder andcoffee maker wherein the top solenoid presses a tamper into the top ofthe coffee holder according to the present invention.

FIGS. 76A-76C show a top solenoid embodiment of the coffee holder andcoffee maker wherein a top rim of the holder engages rails in the coffeemaker and a top solenoid presses a tamper into the top of the coffeeholder according to the present invention.

FIGS. 77A-77C show a top solenoid embodiment of the coffee holder andcoffee maker wherein the holder is placed into a drawer of the coffeemaker, the drawer slides into a closed position, and a top solenoidpresses a tamper into the top of the coffee holder according to thepresent invention.

FIGS. 78A-78C show a top solenoid embodiment of the coffee holder andcoffee maker wherein the holder is placed into a drawer of the coffeemaker, the drawer is pivoted into a closed position, and a top solenoidpresses a tamper into the top of the coffee holder according to thepresent invention.

FIGS. 79A-79C show a top solenoid embodiment of the coffee holder andcoffee maker wherein the holder is placed on a platform of the coffeemaker, the platform is raised, and a top solenoid presses a tamper intothe top of the coffee holder according to the present invention.

FIGS. 80A-80C show a top solenoid embodiment of the coffee holder andcoffee maker wherein the holder is placed on a platform of the coffeemaker, the platform is pivoted upward, and a top solenoid presses atamper into the top of the coffee holder according to the presentinvention.

FIGS. 81A-81C show a top solenoid embodiment of the coffee holder andcoffee maker wherein the holder is placed on a platform of the coffeemaker, a ceiling is lowered, and a tamper attached to the ceiling ispressed into the top of the coffee holder according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 82 shows a solenoid according to the present invention.

FIG. 83 shows a solenoid with a spray stream head according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 84A shows a water pressure actuated tamper according to the presentinvention in an initial position.

FIG. 84B shows the water pressure actuated tamper according to thepresent invention in a downward extended tamping position.

FIG. 85A shows a second water pressure actuated tamper having ananti-leak feature according to the present invention in an initialposition.

FIG. 85B shows the second water pressure actuated tamper having ananti-leak feature according to the present invention in a downwardextended tamping position.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding componentsthroughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description is of the best mode presently contemplated forcarrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in alimiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing one ormore preferred embodiments of the invention. The scope of the inventionshould be determined with reference to the claims.

A front view of a coffee 10 maker according to the present invention isshown in FIG. 1A a side view of the coffee maker 10 is shown in FIG. 1B,and a top view of the coffee maker 10 is shown in FIG. 1C. The coffeemaker 10 includes a body 12, an opening lid 14, a lid handle 16, a watercontainer 18, a display 20, controls 22, a platform 24 and a mouth 12 a.A coffee pitcher 26 rests on the platform 24 inside the mouth 12 a andhas a pitcher lid 28. The coffee maker 10 provides a flow of hot waterthrough coffee grounds to produce a coffee drink. The flow of water maybe heated by one of any known means, for example, an electrical heatingcoil or a conductive coating on tubing carrying the water.

A side view of the coffee maker 10 with an open lid 14 allowingplacement of a coffee holder 30 according to the present inventioninside the coffee maker 10 is shown in FIG. 2. The lid 14 includes a lidhinge 14 a and a water tube 15 carries heated water into the lid 14. Apad 17 resides on a bottom surface of the lid 14 and presses against thecoffee holder 30 when the lid 14 is closed, and in cooperation withother means discloses hereafter, tamps coffee contained in the coffeeholder 30. A nozzle 19 extending down from the closed lid 14 directs theflow of hot water into the coffee holder 30.

A functional diagram of the coffee maker 10 is shown in FIG. 2A. Thepreferred coffee maker 10 includes the water tank 18, water pump 21, aheater 13, check valve 23 and the nozzle 18. The pump 21 preferablyprovides at least one PSI water pressure. The water heater 13 mayinclude a heating coil or a resistive coating or any other means forheating water. The check valve 23 limits the water pressure at thenozzle 19 by returning some of the water flow to the water tank 18.While a the water pump 21 is a preferred method for providing a flow ofwater to the nozzle 19, other methods include pressuring the water inthe water tank 18, and a coffee maker using any means to provide aforced flow of water is intending to within the scope of the presentinvention.

A side view of a first coffee holder 30 a according to the presentinvention is shown in FIG. 3 and a cross-sectional side view of thefirst coffee holder 30 a including a holder body 31, a first holder lid32 a, a bottom tamper 34, and a tamping spring 36 according to thepresent invention taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3 is shown in FIG. 4. Avolume (or coffee holder interior) 38 is provided inside the coffeeholder 30 a to receive loose coffee 41. A passage 33 in the lid 32 a isprovided for the nozzle 19 (see FIG. 2).

A cross-sectional side view of the first coffee holder 30 a taken alongline 4-4 of FIG. 3 showing an empty coffee holder 30 a with the tampingspring 36 and the bottom tamper 34 ready for filling are shown in FIG.5A. A cross-sectional side view of the first coffee holder 30 a takenalong line 4-4 of FIG. 3 showing the coffee holder 30 a with the tampingspring 36 and bottom tamper 34, a portion of loose coffee 41, and theholder lid 32 a ready to attach is shown in FIG. 5B. A cross-sectionalside view of the first coffee holder 30 a taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3showing the coffee holder 30 a with the tamping spring 36 and bottomtamper 34, a portion of coffee in the volume 38, and the holder lid 32 aready to attach is shown in FIG. 5C. A cross-sectional side view of thefirst coffee holder 30 a taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3 showing thecoffee holder 30 a with the tamping spring 36 and bottom tamper 34, aportion of loose coffee 41 in the volume 38, and the holder lid 32 aattached to the coffee holder 30 a, is shown in FIG. 5D.

A top view of the first holder lid 32 a showing the passage 33 providedfor the nozzle 19 (see FIG. 2) is shown in FIG. 6.

A side view of a filter paper cup 40 according to the present inventionis shown in FIG. 7A and a top view of the filter paper cup 40 is shownin FIG. 7B. The filter paper cup 40 includes a bottom 40 b, sides 40 a,and a rim 40 c. The rim 40 c rests on a top edge of the holder body 31and is held between the holder cap and body when the cap is placed onthe body, thereby preventing or restricting the escape of coffee 41 fromthe cup 40 when hot water flows into the coffee holder 30 a.

A second embodiment of the filter paper cup 40′ with a folding paper lid40 d is shown in FIG. 7C. The lid 40 d of the filter paper cup 40′ maybe folded over the cup 40′ after loose coffee is poured into the cup.The lid 40 d preferably includes a perforation 40 e centered on the lid40 d allowing the nozzle 19 to enter and/or inject the hot flow of waterinto the tamped coffee 41.

The filter cups may be made from several materials including filterpaper, nylon mesh, steel mesh, or any material suitable for filtration.

The first coffee holder 30 a is shown ready for insertion into a firstcoffee maker 10 a in FIG. 8A, the first coffee holder 30 a is showninserted into the coffee maker 10 before tamping the coffee 41 in FIG.8B, and the first coffee holder 30 a is shown in the coffee maker 10after tamping the coffee 41 in FIG. 8C. The coffee maker includes acavity 11 for accepting the coffee holder and has walls 11 a foraligning the coffee holder in the coffee maker. When the lid 14 isclosed, the pad 17 on the bottom of the lid 14 and/or arms 25 attachedto the bottom of the lid 25, push the coffee holder 30 a down over thetamping spring 36 and the coffee 41 is tamped between the lid 32 a andthe bottom tamper 34. The arms 25 push the coffee holder 30 a down aheadof the nozzle 19 thereby seating the coffee holder 30 a in the cavity 11for alignment of the nozzle 10 with the passage 33 in the lid 32 a.

A side view of a second coffee holder 30 b according to the presentinvention is shown in FIG. 9 and a cross-sectional side view of thesecond coffee holder 30 b taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9 is shown inFIG. 10. The coffee holder 30 b includes the holder body 31, a secondholder lid 32 b, a tamping spring 36, a spring washer 35 a, and a toptamper 35 b.

A cross-sectional side view of the second coffee holder 30 b taken alongline 10-10 of FIG. 9 showing an empty coffee holder 30 b is shown inFIG. 11A. A cross-sectional side view of the second coffee holder 30 btaken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9 showing the holder lid 32 b and a looseportion of coffee 41 above the empty coffee holder 30 b is shown in FIG.11B. A cross-sectional side view of the second coffee holder 30 b takenalong line 10-10 of FIG. 9 showing the holder lid 32 b above the coffeeholder 30 b with the portion of loose coffee 41 in the coffee holder 32b is shown in FIG. 11C. A cross-sectional side view of the second coffeeholder 32 b taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9 showing the coffee holderwith the holder lid 32 b attached to the coffee holder 30 b and aportion of loose coffee 41 in the coffee holder 30 b is shown in FIG.11D. The tamping spring 36 extends upward out of the coffee holder 30 bfor tamping the loose coffee as disclosed hereafter.

A top view of the second holder lid 32 b is shown in FIG. 12. The holderlid 32 b includes a larger passage 33 a allowing passage of the tampingspring 36 through the holder lid 32 b.

A top view of the bottom tamper 34 is shown in FIG. 13. The bottomtamper 34 includes perforations 34 a to allow coffee drink to passthrough the bottom tamper 34.

The second coffee holder 30 b is shown ready for insertion into thecoffee maker 10 in FIG. 14A, the second coffee holder 30 b is showninserted into the coffee maker 10 before tamping the coffee 41 in FIG.14B, and the second coffee holder 30 b is shown in the coffee maker 10after tamping the coffee 41 in FIG. 14C. The coffee maker 10 may includea long nozzle 19 a to reach the top tamper 35 b for “injection” of theheated water into the tamped coffee, but may also include the nozzle 19and the heated water may pass through the coffee 41 under the pull ofgravity.

A side view of a third coffee holder 30 c according to the presentinvention is shown in FIG. 16 and a cross-sectional side view of thethird coffee holder 30 c taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 15 is shown inFIG. 16. The coffee holder 30 c includes the holder body 31, the secondholder lid 32 b, the bottom tamper 34, and the top tamper 35 b.

A cross-sectional side view of the third coffee holder 30 c taken alongline 16-16 of FIG. 15 showing the coffee holder 30 c with the holder lid32 b, the top tamper 35 b, and a portion of coffee, ready to attach tothe holder 31, is shown in FIG. 17A. A cross-sectional side view of thethird coffee holder taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 15 showing the coffeeholder 30 c with the holder lid 32 b and the top tamper ready to attach,and a portion of coffee 41 in the coffee holder, is shown in FIG. 17B. Across-sectional side view of the third coffee holder 30 c taken alongline 16-16 of FIG. 15 showing the coffee holder with the holder lid andthe top tamper attached and a loose portion of coffee 41 in the coffeeholder is shown in FIG. 17C. The coffee holder 30 c is configured to usewith a coffee maker 10 b (see FIGS. 18A-18C) including apparatus forentering the coffee holder for tamping the loose coffee 41.

The third coffee holder 30 c ready for insertion into a second coffeemaker 10 b in FIG. 18A, the third coffee holder 30 c is shown residingin the coffee maker 10 b before tamping the coffee 41 in FIG. 18B, andthe third coffee holder 30 c is shown residing in the coffee maker 10 bafter tamping the coffee 41 in FIG. 18C. The coffee maker 10 b includesthe tamping spring 36 attached to the pad 17 on the bottom of the lid14. When the lid 14 is closed the tamping spring 36 enters the coffeeholder 30 c through the lid passage 33 a (see FIG. 12) and pushes thetop tamper 35 b against the coffee 41 to tamp the coffee 41.

A side view of a fourth coffee holder 30 d according to the presentinvention is shown in FIG. 19 and a cross-sectional side view of thefourth coffee holder 30 d taken along line 20-20 of FIG. 19 is shown inFIG. 20. The coffee holder 30 d includes the holder body 31, the firstholder lid 32 a, and the bottom tamper 34.

A cross-sectional side view of the fourth coffee holder 30 d taken alongline 20-20 of FIG. 19 showing the coffee holder with the bottom tamper34, and a portion of coffee 41 and the holder lid ready to attach isshown in FIG. 21A. A cross-sectional side view of the fourth coffeeholder 30 d taken along line 20-20 of FIG. 19 showing the coffee holder30 d with the bottom tamper 34, the portion of coffee 41 in the coffeeholder 30 d, and the holder lid 32 a ready to attach is shown in FIG.21B. A cross-sectional side view of the fourth coffee holder 30 d takenalong line 20-20 of FIG. 19 showing the coffee holder 30 d with thebottom tamper 34, a portion of coffee in the coffee holder 41, and theholder lid 32 a is shown in FIG. 21C.

The fourth coffee holder 30 d ready for insertion into anotherembodiment of the second coffee maker 10 b in FIG. 22A, the fourthcoffee holder 30 d is shown residing in the coffee maker 10 b beforetamping the coffee 41 in FIG. 22B, and the fourth coffee holder 30 d isshown residing in the coffee maker 10 b after tamping the coffee 41 inFIG. 22C. The coffee maker 10 b may include the tamping spring 36residing in the bottom of the coffee holder cavity 11. When the lid 14is closed, the pad 17 pushed the coffee holder 30 d down over thetamping spring 36 and the tamping spring 36 enters the coffee holder 30c through the bottom of the holder body 31 and pushes the bottom tamper34 against the coffee 41 to tamp the coffee 41.

The fourth coffee holder 30 d ready for insertion into anotherembodiment of the second coffee maker 10 b in FIG. 23A, the fourthcoffee holder 30 d is shown residing in the coffee maker 10 b beforetamping the coffee 41 in FIG. 23B, and the fourth coffee holder 30 d isshown residing in the coffee maker 10 b after tamping the coffee 41 inFIG. 23C. The coffee maker 10 b may include a resilient solid block 42residing in the bottom of the coffee holder cavity 11. When the lid 14is closed, the pad 17 pushed the coffee holder 30 d down over theresilient solid block 42 and the resilient solid block 42 enters thecoffee holder 30 c through the bottom of the holder body 31 and pushesthe bottom tamper 34 against the coffee 41 to tamp the coffee 41.

A side view of a fifth coffee holder 30 e according to the presentinvention is shown in FIG. 24 and a cross-sectional side view of thefifth coffee holder 30 e taken along line 25-25 of FIG. 24 is shown inFIG. 25. The fifth coffee holder 30 e includes the holder body 31, theholder lid 32 b, the tamping spring 36 and the top tamper 35 b attachedto the holder lid 32 a.

A cross-sectional side view of the fifth coffee holder 30 e taken alongline 25-25 of FIG. 24 showing the coffee holder 30 e with a portion ofcoffee 41, and the holder lid 32 b with the top tamper 35 b and tampingspring 36 attached, above the holder body 31, is shown in FIG. 26A. Across-sectional side view of the fifth coffee holder 30 e taken alongline 25-25 of FIG. 24 showing the coffee holder with the portion ofcoffee 41 in the coffee holder, and the holder lid 32 b with the toptamper 35 b and tamping spring 36 attached, above the holder body 31, isshown in FIG. 26B. A cross-sectional side view of the fifth coffeeholder 30 e taken along line 25-25 of FIG. 24 showing the coffee holder30 e with the portion of coffee 41 in the coffee holder 30 e, and theholder lid 32 b with the top tamper 35 b and tamping spring 36 attachedto the holder base 31 is shown in FIG. 26D. The tamping spring 36 andtop tamper 35 b tamp the coffee 41 to provide a tamped coffee when theholder lid 32 b is attached to the holder base 31.

A side view of a sixth coffee holder 30 f according to the presentinvention is shown in FIG. 27 and a cross-sectional side view of thesixth coffee holder 30 f taken along line 28-28 of FIG. 27 is shown inFIG. 28. The sixth coffee holder 30 f includes the holder body 31 and athird holder lid 32 c. The third holder lid 32 c includes a recessedportion 32′ which reaches into the interior of the sixth coffee holder30 f. The recessed portion 32′ is preferably a solid resilient material.

A cross-sectional side view of the sixth coffee holder 30 f taken alongline 28-28 of FIG. 27 showing the sixth coffee holder 30 f with aportion of coffee 41, and the holder lid 32 c, above the holder body 31,is shown in FIG. 29A. A cross-sectional side view of the sixth coffeeholder 30 f taken along line 28-28 of FIG. 27 showing the coffee holderwith the portion of coffee 41 in the coffee holder, and the holder lid32 c above the holder body 31, is shown in FIG. 29B. A cross-sectionalside view of the sixth coffee holder 30 f along line 28-28 of FIG. 27showing the sixth coffee holder 30 f with the portion of coffee 41 inthe coffee holder 30 e, and the holder lid 32 e attached to the holderbase 31 is shown in FIG. 26D. A cushion 32′ tamps the coffee 41 toprovide a tamped coffee when the holder lid 32 e is attached to theholder base 31. The cushion 32′ is preferably made from a resilientmaterial to cushion the tamping of the loose coffee.

A side view of a seventh coffee holder 30 g according to the presentinvention is shown in FIG. 30 and a cross-sectional side view of theseventh coffee holder 30 g taken along line 31-31 of FIG. 30 is shown inFIG. 31. The seventh coffee holder 30 g includes the holder body 31, theholder lid 32 b, the tamping spring 36, and the bottom tamper 34 insidethe holder base 31.

A cross-sectional side view of the seventh coffee holder 30 g takenalong line 31-31 of FIG. 30 showing the seventh coffee holder 30 g witha portion of coffee 41 and the holder lid 32 a above the holder body 31,and with the bottom tamper 34 and tamping spring 36 inside the holderbase 31, is shown in FIG. 26A. A cross-sectional side view of theseventh coffee holder 30 g taken along line 31-31 of FIG. 30 showing thecoffee holder with the portion of coffee 41 in the filter paper 40 inthe holder base 31 resting on the bottom tamper 34 supported by thetamping spring 36, and the holder lid 32 a above the holder body 31, isshown in FIG. 26B. A cross-sectional side view of the seventh coffeeholder 30 g taken along line 31-31 of FIG. 30 showing the seventh coffeeholder 30 g with the portion of coffee 41 in the coffee holder 30 e, andthe holder lid 32 a attached to the holder base 31, is shown in FIG.26D. The tamping spring 36 and bottom tamper 34 tamp the coffee 41upward against the tamper lid 32 a to provide a tamped coffee when theholder lid 32 a is attached to the holder base 31.

A side view of an eighth coffee holder 30 h according to the presentinvention is shown in FIG. 33, a cross-sectional side view of the eighthcoffee holder 30 h taken along line 34-34 of FIG. 33 showing a portionof coffee 41 for placing inside the coffee holder and a fourth holderlid 32 d with an insertable portion and an O-Ring 50 inside the coffeeholder for sealing is shown in FIG. 34A, and a cross-sectional side viewof the eighth coffee holder taken along line 34-34 of FIG. 33 showingthe portion of coffee 41 inside the coffee holder 30 h and the holderlid 32 d with the insertable portion inserted into the coffee holderbase 31 a is shown in FIG. 34B. The filter paper 40 extends up above theO-ring 50 and the O-Ring 50 cooperates with the holder lid 32 d tosandwich the top edge of the filter paper 40 for sealing the filterpaper 40 to reduce or prevent the coffee 41 from escaping when the flowof hot water is provided to the coffee holder 30 h. The holder base 31 ais preferably cylindrical but may also be conical in shape.

A side view of a ninth coffee holder 30 i according to the presentinvention is shown in FIG. 35, a cross-sectional side view of the ninthcoffee holder 30 i taken along line 36-36 of FIG. 35 showing a portionof coffee 41 for placing inside the coffee holder and a fifth holder lid32 e with a threaded portion for screwing inside the holder base 31 bfor sealing is shown in FIG. 36A, and a cross-sectional side view of theninth coffee holder 30 i taken along line 36-36 of FIG. 35 showing theportion of coffee 41 inside the coffee holder and the holder lid 32 ewith the threaded portion screwed into the coffee holder and tamping thecoffee 41 is shown in FIG. 36B. The threads both provide tamping andsealing the coffee to reduce or prevent the coffee 41 from escaping whenthe flow of hot water is provided to the coffee holder 30 h. The holderbase 31 b is preferably cylindrical to facilitate having internalthreads, and at least the threaded portion is preferably cylindrical.

A third coffee maker 10 c having a coffee holder 30 according to thepresent invention for receiving a portion of coffee and a tamping spring36 for tamping the coffee is shown in FIG. 37A, the third coffee maker10 c with the coffee holder 30 holding the portion of coffee 41 is shownin FIG. 37B, and the third coffee maker 10 c with the coffee holder 30holding the portion of coffee 41 with the coffee maker lid 14 closed fortamping the coffee 41 is shown in FIG. 37C. When the lid 14 is closed,the pad 17 pushes the coffee holder 30 down and the tamping spring 36enters the bottom of the coffee holder 30 to tamp the coffee 41. Whileattaching the lid 32 a to the holder 30 is preferred in order to preventcoffee grounds from escaping the holder 30, the coffee maker 10 c mayalso be used without the lid 32 a and the pad 17 may serve to seal thecoffee 41 in the holder 30. In this instance, the coffee maker lid 14serves as a coffee holder lid.

A third coffee maker 10 c having a coffee holder for receiving a portionof coffee and tamping spring 36 attached to the coffee maker lid 14according to the present invention for tamping the coffee 41 when thecoffee maker lid 14 is closed is shown in FIG. 38A, the third coffeemaker with the coffee holder 30 holding the portion of coffee 41 isshown in FIG. 38B, and the third coffee maker 10 c with the coffeeholder 30 holding the portion of coffee 41 with the coffee maker lid 14closed to push the tamping spring 36 into the coffee holder 30 fortamping the coffee 41 is shown in FIG. 38C.

A fourth coffee maker 10 d having a third holder base 31 c for receivinga packet 41 a containing untamped coffee, a knife 50 for cutting thepacket 41 a open, and tamping spring 36 under the holder base 31 caccording to the present invention for tamping the coffee when thecoffee maker lid is closed is shown in FIG. 39A, the fourth coffee maker10 d with the holder base 31 c holding the packet 41 a of untampedcoffee is shown in FIG. 39B, and fourth coffee maker with the holderbase 31 c holding the packet of tamped coffee 41 c with the coffee makerlid 14 closed to push the holder base down over the tamping spring 36for tamping the coffee is shown in FIG. 39C. The coffee maker 10 dincludes a somewhat pointed nozzle 19 a to puncture the packet 41 a toprovide the flow of hot water to the tamped coffee in the packet 41 a.Known coffee packets include internal filters to allow a flow of hotwater through the packet to make the coffee drink while preventingcoffee grounds from escaping. The cut in the packet 41 a made by theknife 50 allows the coffee drink to escape from the packet while filtermaterial in the packet 41 a prevent coffee grounds from escaping. Thetamping spring 36 may also be attached to the lid 14 as in FIGS.38A-38C.

The packet 41 a may be an air tight pod containing coffee in filterpaper and positioning the knife on the side of the holder base 31 cresults in less likelihood of the knife 50 cutting the filter paper. Thepacket 41 a is preferably air tight to maintain coffee freshness and maybe plastic, metal foil, or other air tight material which issufficiently flexible to allow the coffee contained in the packet 41 ato be tamped. Alternatively, the knife 50 may be eliminated when thepacket 41 a is configured to burst under pressure to expose the coffee,for example, when the coffee maker tamps the coffee, the packet 41 aalso bursts. In one embodiment, filter paper 41 is inserted into theholder base 31 c without the knife 50, and the packet 41 a bursts duringcompacting to release the coffee into the filter paper.

Known coffee makers use a sealed cup or capsule having a somewhat ridgedcup with a foil cover. Such cups might be compressible and used in thecoffee maker 10 d, however, a similar cup or capsule having a lessridged cup which may be compressed in the coffee maker 10 d are moresuitable for use in the coffee maker 10 d to allow tamping of the coffeecontained in the cup or capsule.

A fifth coffee maker 10 e for horizontally receiving the coffee holder30 is shown in FIG. 40A, the fifth coffee maker with the coffee holder30 residing in the coffee maker is shown in FIG. 40B, and the fifthcoffee maker with the coffee maker lid 14 closed and the tamping spring36 entering the coffee holder 30 for tamping the coffee 41 is shown inFIG. 40C. The fifth coffee maker 10 d may alternatively include atamping spring entering the coffee holder top, or a resilient solidblock pushed into the coffee holder 30 to tamp the coffee. Preferably, ahorizontal ram 42 a is actuated when the lid 14 is closed and pushed thecoffee holder 30 against the spring 36 to tamp the coffee. Thehorizontal ram 42 a may actuated by an electrical solenoid, by pressure,or by mechanical levers connected to the lid 14. The fifth coffee maker10 e may further include any of the features described above for otherembodiments of the coffee maker according to the present invention andmay be configured to use any of the coffee holders described aboveaccording to the present invention.

A side view of a tenth coffee holder 30 j with straight walls accordingto the present invention is shown in FIG. 41, and a cross-sectional viewof the tenth coffee holder 30 j taken along line 42-42 of FIG. 41showing an empty coffee holder is shown in FIG. 42. The coffee holder 30j provides straight cylindrical inside walls allowing a better fitbetween the top tamper 35 b and the inside walls to reduce or eliminatecoffee 41 escaping past the top tamper 35 b during tamping.

A cross-sectional view of the tenth coffee holder 30 j taken along line42-42 of FIG. 41 showing a full and tamped coffee holder is shown inFIG. 43. The tamping spring 36 has been pushed down by the lid 32 b totamp the coffee 41.

A side view of an eleventh coffee holder 30 k with straight wallsaccording to the present invention is shown in FIG. 44, across-sectional view of the eleventh coffee holder 30 k taken along line45-45 of FIG. 44 showing an empty coffee holder is shown in FIG. 45, anda cross-sectional view of the eleventh coffee holder 30 k taken alongline 45-45 of FIG. 41 showing a full and tamped coffee holder. As withthe coffee holder 30 j, the coffee holder 30 k provides straightcylindrical inside walls allowing a better fit between the lid 32 f andthe inside walls to reduce or eliminate coffee 41 escaping past the lid32 f during tamping. The lid 32 f may be used with or without the toptamper 35 b.

A side view of a top tamper 35 b is shown in FIG. 47A and a top view ofthe top tamper 35B is shown in FIG. 47B. A side view of a top tamper 35b′ with a seal 60 according to the present invention is shown in FIG.47C and a top view of the top tamper 35 b′ with the seal 60 is shown inFIG. 47D. In some instances, for example with a very fine ground coffee,an amount of coffee may escape past the top tamper 35 b. In suchinstances, a user may prefer to use the top tamper 35 b′ with the seal60 to reduce or eliminate the escape of the coffee.

A perspective view of a filter paper cup 40′ with a folding cup lid 40 dis shown in FIG. 48 (also see FIG. 7C). The cup lid 40 d may be foldedover the rim 40 c to reduce or prevent coffee from escaping duringtamping of subsequent processing. The lid 40 d may also include aperforation 40 e centered on the lid 40 d allowing the nozzle 19 toenter and/or inject the hot flow of water into the tamped coffee 41, butin some embodiments, the lid 40 d does not include the perforation 40 e.The filter paper cup 40′ may be used in the coffee containers describedherein, and may able be used in a coffee machine having a cavity forreceiving the filter paper cup 40′. While the cup 40′ is preferably madefrom filter paper, the cup may also be made from a reusable mech.

A side view of an twelfth coffee holder 30 l with straight wallsaccording to the present invention is shown in FIG. 49, and across-sectional view of the twelfth coffee holder 30 l taken along line50-50 of FIG. 49 showing an empty coffee holder is shown in FIG. 50. Thetwelfth coffee holder 30 l includes a straight walled base and thetamping spring below the coffee, and additionally uses a filter papercup 40′ with the folding lid 40 d.

A cross-sectional view of the twelfth coffee holder 30 l taken alongline 50-50 of FIG. 49 showing the lid 32 a, coffee 41, the filter papercup 40′ with lid 40 d, above the coffee holder base 31 a is shown inFIG. 51A, a cross-sectional view of the twelfth coffee holder 30 l takenalong line 50-50 of FIG. 49 showing the lid 32 a, above the coffee 41and the filter paper cup 40′ resting in the coffee holder base 31 a isshown in FIG. 51B, a cross-sectional view of the twelfth coffee holder30 l taken along line 50-50 of FIG. 49 showing the lid 32 a, above thecoffee 41 and the filter paper cup 40′ resting in the coffee holder base31 a with the filter paper cover 40 d folded over the coffee 41 in thefilter paper cup 40′ is shown in FIG. 51C, and a cross-sectional view ofthe twelfth coffee holder 30 l taken along line 50-50 of FIG. 49 showingthe lid 32 a attached to the base 31 a with the coffee 41 and the filterpaper cup 40′ residing in the coffee holder base 31 a with the coffee 41tamped is shown in FIG. 51D. In embodiments with the coffee 41 partiallyexposed above the base 31 a, some coffee 41 may escape during tamping.Using the filter paper cup 40′ having the fold over paper lid 40 dreduces or eliminates such escape of coffee 41.

A side view of a thirteenth coffee holder 30 m with a releasable tampinglatch 64 according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 52 and across-sectional view of the thirteenth coffee holder 30 m taken alongline 53-53 of FIG. 52 showing an empty coffee holder is shown in FIG.53. The latch 64 is held in a latched position by a spring loaded lever62 on the exterior of the base 31 a.

A cross-sectional view of the thirteenth coffee holder 30 m taken alongline 53-53 of FIG. 52 showing the lid 32 a, coffee 41, the filter papercup 40, above the base 31 a, and the coffee holder base 31 a, with thetamping latch 64 retaining the bottom tamper 34 is shown in FIG. 54A, across-sectional view of the thirteenth coffee holder 30 m taken alongline 53-53 of FIG. 52 showing the lid 32 a above the coffee 41 and thefilter paper cup 40 resting in the coffee holder base 31 a, with thetamping latch 64 retaining the bottom tamper 34 is shown in FIG. 54B, across-sectional view of the thirteenth coffee holder 30 m taken alongline 53-53 of FIG. 52 showing the lid 32 a, above the coffee 41 and thefilter paper cup 40 resting in the coffee holder base 31 a with thetamping latch 64 retaining the bottom tamper 34 is shown in FIG. 54C,and a cross-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder 30 m takenalong line 53-53 of FIG. 52 showing the lid 32 a attached to the base 31a with the coffee 41 and the filter paper cup 40 residing in the coffeeholder base 31 a with tamping latch 64 released and the coffee 41 tampedis shown in FIG. 54D. The lever 62 thus holds the latch 64 until thelever 62 is pushed to release the latch 62 to release the bottom tamper34 to tamp the coffee 41.

A side view of a fourteenth coffee holder 30 n with a releasable tampinglatch 64 according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 55 and across-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder taken along line56-56 of FIG. 55 showing an empty coffee holder is shown in FIG. 56. Thelever 62 holds the latch 64 until the arm 66 attached to the lid 32 gpushes the lever 62 to release the latch 64.

A cross-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder 30 n taken alongline 56-56 of FIG. 55 showing the lid 32 g, coffee 41,and the filterpaper cup 40, above the coffee holder base 31 a, with the tamping latch64 retaining the bottom tamper 34 is shown in FIG. 57A, across-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder 30 n taken alongline 56-56 of FIG. 55 showing the lid 32 g above the coffee 41 and thefilter paper cup 40 resting in the coffee holder base 31 a, with thetamping latch 64 retaining the bottom tamper 34 is shown in FIG. 57B, across-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder 30 n taken alongline 56-56 of FIG. 55 showing the lid 32 g, above the coffee 41 and thefilter paper cup 40 resting in the coffee holder base 31 a with thetamping latch 64 released but just prior to tamping (the bottom tamperhas been released but has not moved upward against the coffee 41) isshown in FIG. 57C, and a cross-sectional view of the fourteenth coffeeholder 30 n taken along line 56-56 of FIG. 55 showing the lid 32 gattached to the base with the coffee 41 and the filter paper cup 40residing in the coffee holder base 31 a with tamping latch 64 releasedand the coffee 41 tamped is shown in FIG. 57D. The lever 62 thus holdsthe latch 64 until the lever 62 is pushed by the arm 66 to release thelatch 62 to release the bottom tamper 34 to tamp the coffee 41.

A side view of a fourteenth coffee holder 30 o with a releasable tampinglock according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 58 and across-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder 30 o taken alongline 59-59 of FIG. 58 showing an empty coffee holder is shown in FIG.59. The coffee holder 30 o includes a tamping lock 70 which engages asecond bottom tamper 34′ to hold the second bottom tamper in a downposition for filling the coffee holder with coffee and releases thebottom tamper 34′ to be pushed upwards by the tamping spring 36 to tampthe coffee after the holder lid 32 b is attached to the base 31 a.

A cross-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder 30 o taken alongline 59-59 of FIG. 58 showing a lid 32 b, coffee 41, a filter paper cup40, above the coffee holder base 31, with the tamping lock 70 retainingthe bottom tamper 34′ is shown in FIG. FIG. 60A, cross-sectional view ofthe fourteenth coffee holder taken along line 59-59 of FIG. 58 showingthe lid, above the coffee and the filter paper cup resting in the coffeeholder base, with the tamping latch retaining the bottom tamper 34′ isshown in FIG. FIG. 60B, a cross-sectional view of the fourteenth coffeeholder taken along line 59-59 of FIG. 58 showing the lid, above thecoffee and the filter paper cup resting in the coffee holder base priorto tamping is shown in FIG. 60A, and a cross-sectional view of thefourteenth coffee holder taken along line 59-59 of FIG. 58 showing thelid 32 b attached to the base 31 a with the coffee 41 and the filterpaper cup 41 residing in the coffee holder base 31 a with tamping lockreleased and the coffee tamped is shown in FIG. 60D.

A top view of a tamping lock 70 according to the present invention isshown in FIG. 61 and a bottom view of a second bottom tamper 34′ whichcooperates with the tamping lock 70 according to the present inventionis shown ion FIG. 62. The tamping lock 70 includes teeth 72 which areinserted between and turned to engage lips 74 on the bottom of thebottom tamper 34′ to hold the bottom tamper in the down position forfilling the coffee holder 30 o with coffee 41. After the coffee holder30 o is filled with coffee and the holder lid 32 b attached, the tampinglock is twisted to release the bottom tamper 32 b to tamp the coffee.

FIGS. 63A-63C show an embodiment of the coffee holder 10 f having aramped lower shelf 100. The coffee holder 30 a (see FIGS. 3-5D) with thebottom tamping spring 36 may be horizontally disposed into the coffeemaker 10 f, sliding up a ramp 100 a, and thereby pushing the spring 36upward into the holder 30 a to tamp the coffee 41 in the coffee holder30 a. The coffee maker 10 f may also include a shelf and ramp rotated 90degrees allowing the coffee holder 30 a to be vertically disposed intothe coffee maker to tamp the coffee 41.

FIGS. 64A-64C show the coffee holder 10 f having the ramped lower shelf100. The coffee holder 30 b (see FIGS. 9-11D) with the top tampingspring 36 may be horizontally disposed into the coffee maker 10 f,sliding up a ramp 100 a, and thereby pushing the spring 36 downward intothe holder 30 b to tamp the coffee 41 in the coffee holder 30 b. Thecoffee maker 10 f may also include a shelf and ramp rotated 90 degreesallowing the coffee holder 30 b to be vertically disposed into thecoffee maker to tamp the coffee 41.

FIGS. 65A-65C show an embodiment of the coffee holder 10 g having aspringed (or spring biased) lower shelf 102. The coffee holder 30 a (seeFIGS. 3-5D) with the bottom tamping spring 36 may be horizontallydisposed into the coffee maker 10 f, pushing the springed lower shelf102 downward, and upon releasing the coffee holder 30 a, the springedlower shelf 102 returns towards an original position, thereby pushingthe spring 36 upward into the holder 30 a to tamp the coffee 41 in thecoffee holder 30 a. The coffee maker 10 f may also include a shelf andspringed shelf rotated 90 degrees allowing the coffee holder 30 a to bevertically disposed into the coffee maker to tamp the coffee 41. Thespringed shelf may pivot as shown in FIGS. 65B and 65C, or may translatevertically, or may have a combination of pivoting and translating.

FIGS. 66A-66C show the coffee holder 10 g having the springed lowershelf 102. The coffee holder 30 b (see FIGS. 9-11D) with the top tampingspring 36 may be horizontally disposed into the coffee maker 10 f,pushing the springed lower shelf 102 downward, and upon releasing thecoffee holder 30 b, the springed lower shelf 102 returns towards anoriginal position, thereby pushing the spring 36 downward into theholder 30 b to tamp the coffee 41 in the coffee holder 30 b. The coffeemaker 10 f may also include a shelf and springed shelf rotated 90degrees allowing the coffee holder 30 b to be vertically disposed intothe coffee maker to tamp the coffee 41. The springed shelf may pivot asshown in FIGS. 66B and 66C, or may translate vertically, or may have acombination of pivoting and translating.

FIGS. 67A-67C show an embodiment of the coffee holder 10 h having aramped upper shelf 106. The coffee holder 30 a (see FIGS. 3-5D) with thebottom tamping spring 36 may be horizontally disposed into the coffeemaker 10 h between a lower shelf 104 and the upper shelf 106, the top ofthe coffee housing 30 a sliding down a ramp 106 a, and thereby pushingthe spring 36 upward into the holder 30 a to tamp the coffee 41 in thecoffee holder 30 a. The coffee maker 10 h may also include a shelf andramp rotated 90 degrees allowing the coffee holder 30 a to be verticallydisposed into the coffee maker to tamp the coffee 41.

FIGS. 68A-68C show an embodiment of the coffee holder 10 h having theramped upper shelf 106. The coffee holder 30 b (see FIGS. 8-11D) withthe top tamping spring 36 may be horizontally disposed into the coffeemaker 10 h between the lower shelf 104 and the upper shelf 106, thespring 36 sliding down a ramp 106 a, and thereby pushing the spring 36downward into the holder 30 b to tamp the coffee 41 in the coffee holder30 b. The coffee maker 10 h may also include a shelf and ramp rotated 90degrees allowing the coffee holder 30 b to be vertically disposed intothe coffee maker to tamp the coffee 41.

FIGS. 69A-69C show an embodiment of the coffee holder 10 i having aspringed (or spring biased) upper shelf 108. The coffee holder 30 a (seeFIGS. 3-5D) with the bottom tamping spring 36 may be horizontallydisposed into the coffee maker 10 i, pushing the springed upper shelf108 upward, and upon releasing the coffee holder 30 a, the springedupper shelf 108 returns towards an original position, thereby pushingthe spring 36 upward into the holder 30 a to tamp the coffee 41 in thecoffee holder 30 a. The coffee maker 10 i may also include a shelf andspringed shelf rotated 90 degrees allowing the coffee holder 30 a to bevertically disposed into the coffee maker to tamp the coffee 41. Thespringed shelf may pivot as shown in FIGS. 69B and 69C, or may translatevertically, or may have a combination of pivoting and translating.

FIGS. 70A-70C show the coffee holder 10 i having the springed (or springbiased) upper shelf 108. The coffee holder 30 b (see FIGS. 8-11D) withthe top tamping spring 36 may be horizontally disposed into the coffeemaker 10 i, pushing the springed upper shelf 108 upward, and uponreleasing the coffee holder 30 b, the springed upper shelf 108 returnstowards an original position, thereby pushing the spring 36 downwardinto the holder 30 b to tamp the coffee 41 in the coffee holder 30 a.The coffee maker 10 i may also include a shelf and springed shelfrotated 90 degrees allowing the coffee holder 30 b to be verticallydisposed into the coffee maker to tamp the coffee 41. The springed shelfmay pivot as shown in FIGS. 69B and 69C, or may translate vertically, ormay have a combination of pivoting and translating.

FIGS. 71A-71C show an embodiment of the coffee holder 10 j having alinear actuator 110 residing in a lower shelf 112. A vertically movingmember 111 of the actuator 110 movable upwards from an initial positionto an actuated position. The coffee holder 30 a (see FIGS. 3-5D) withthe bottom tamping spring 36 may be horizontally disposed into thecoffee maker 10 j, onto the actuator 110. When the coffee making isinitiated, the actuator pushes the spring 36 upward into the holder 30 ato tamp the coffee 41 in the coffee holder 30 a. The coffee maker 10 jmay also include a shelf and actuator rotated 90 degrees allowing thecoffee holder 30 a to be vertically disposed into the coffee maker totamp the coffee 41. The linear actuator 110 may be electrical (e.g., asolenoid or linear motor), or may be hydraulic or pneumatic.

FIGS. 72A-72C show the coffee holder 10 j having the linear actuator 110residing in a lower shelf 112. The coffee holder 30 b (see FIGS. 8-11D)with the top tamping spring 36 may be horizontally disposed into thecoffee maker 10 j, onto the actuator 110. When the coffee making isinitiated, the actuator pushes the coffee holder 30 b upward causing thespring 36 to reach downward into the holder 30 b to tamp the coffee 41in the coffee holder 30 b. The coffee maker 10 j may also include ashelf and actuator rotated 90 degrees allowing the coffee holder 30 b tobe vertically disposed into the coffee maker to tamp the coffee 41.

FIGS. 73A-73C show an embodiment of the coffee holder 10 k having thelinear actuator 110 residing in an upper shelf 114. The coffee holder 30a (see FIGS. 3-5D) with the bottom tamping spring 36 may be horizontallydisposed into the coffee maker 10 k, under the actuator 110. When thecoffee making is initiated, the actuator pushes the coffee holder 30 adownward and thus the spring 36 upward into the holder 30 a to tamp thecoffee 41 in the coffee holder 30 a. The coffee maker 10 k may alsoinclude a shelf and actuator rotated 90 degrees allowing the coffeeholder 30 a to be vertically disposed into the coffee maker to tamp thecoffee 41.

FIGS. 74A-74C show the coffee holder 10 k having the linear actuator 110residing in the upper shelf 114. The coffee holder 30 b (see FIGS.8-11D) with the top tamping spring 36 may be horizontally disposed intothe coffee maker 10 k, under the actuator 110. When the coffee making isinitiated, the actuator pushes the spring 36 downward into the holder 30a to tamp the coffee 41 in the coffee holder 30 b. The coffee maker 10 kmay also include a shelf and actuator rotated 90 degrees allowing thecoffee holder 30 b to be vertically disposed into the coffee maker totamp the coffee 41.

FIGS. 75A-75C show an embodiment of the coffee holder 10 k having thelinear actuator 110 residing in the upper shelf 114. The coffee holder30 c (see FIGS. 15-17C) may be horizontally disposed into the coffeemaker 10 k, under the actuator 110. When the coffee making is initiated,the actuator pushes downward into the holder 30 c to tamp the coffee 41in the coffee holder 30 c. The coffee maker 10 k may also include ashelf and actuator rotated 90 degrees allowing the coffee holder 30 a tobe vertically disposed into the coffee maker to tamp the coffee 41.While the coffee holder 30 c is a preferred coffee holder for use withthe coffee maker 10 k, the coffee holders 30 a and 30 b mayalternatively be used with the coffee maker 10 k and such use isintended to come within the scope of the present invention.

FIGS. 76A-76C show an embodiment of the coffee holder 10 l having thelinear actuator 110 residing in the upper shelf 116, the upper shelfincluding rails 118 for engaging the coffee holder 30 c. The coffeeholder 30 c (see FIGS. 15-17C) may be horizontally disposed into thecoffee maker 10 l, under the actuator 110. When the coffee making isinitiated, the actuator pushes downward into the holder 30 c to tamp thecoffee 41 in the coffee holder 30 c. The coffee maker 10 l may alsoinclude a shelf and actuator rotated 90 degrees allowing the coffeeholder 30 a to be vertically disposed into the coffee maker to tamp thecoffee 41.

FIGS. 77A-77C show an embodiment of the coffee holder 10 m having thelinear actuator 110 residing in the upper shelf 116, and a drawer 120for receiving the coffee holder 30 c. The coffee holder 30 c (see FIGS.15-17C) may be vertically disposed into the drawer 120 and the drawerhorizontally closed, under the actuator 110. When the coffee making isinitiated, the actuator pushes downward into the holder 30 c to tamp thecoffee 41 in the coffee holder 30 c. The coffee maker 10 m may alsoinclude a drawer and actuator rotated 90 degrees allowing the coffeeholder 30 a to be horizontally disposed into the drawer, and the drawervertically closed to tamp the coffee 41. While the coffee holder 30 c isa preferred coffee holder for use with the coffee maker 10 m, the coffeeholders 30 a and 30 b may alternatively be used with the coffee maker 10m having, for example, a greater drawer height to allow vertical spacefor the spring 36, and such use is intended to come within the scope ofthe present invention.

FIGS. 78A-78C show an embodiment of the coffee holder 10 m′ having thelinear actuator 110 residing in the upper shelf 116, and a drawer 120for receiving the coffee holder 30 c. The coffee holder 30 c (see FIGS.15-17C) may be vertically disposed into the drawer 120 and the drawerpivoted about a vertical axis 123, under the actuator 110. When thecoffee making is initiated, the actuator pushes downward into the holder30 c to tamp the coffee 41 in the coffee holder 30 c. The coffee maker10 m′ may also include a drawer and actuator rotated 90 degrees allowingthe coffee holder 30 a to be horizontally disposed into the drawer, andthe drawer rotated about a horizontal axis to position the coffee holder30 c to tamp the coffee 41. While the coffee holder 30 c is a preferredcoffee holder for use with the coffee maker 10 m′, the coffee holders 30a and 30 b may alternatively be used with the coffee maker 10 m′ having,for example, a greater drawer height to allow vertical space for thespring 36, and such use is intended to come within the scope of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 79A-79C show an embodiment of the coffee holder 10 n having afixed tamper 122 reaching down from an upper shelf 124, and a verticallytranslating drawer 126 for receiving the coffee holder 30 c. The coffeeholder 30 c (see FIGS. 15-17C) may be vertically disposed into thedrawer 126 and the drawer vertically closed under the shelf 124. Whenthe drawer 126 is closed, the tamper 122 pushes downward into the holder30 c to tamp the coffee 41 in the coffee holder 30 c. The coffee maker10 n may also include a drawer and fixed tamper rotated 90 degreesallowing the coffee holder 30 a to be horizontally disposed into thedrawer, and the drawer horizontally closed to tamp the coffee 41. Whilethe coffee holder 30 c is a preferred coffee holder for use with thecoffee maker 10 n, the coffee holders 30 a and 30 b may alternatively beused with the coffee maker 10 n and such use is intended to come withinthe scope of the present invention. Further while the fixed tamper 122provides a low cost embodiment, the actuator 110 may replace the tamper122.

FIGS. 80A-80C show an embodiment of the coffee holder 10 n having theactuator 110 reaching down from the upper shelf 124, and a verticallypivoting drawer 128 for receiving the coffee holder 30 c. The coffeeholder 30 c (see FIGS. 15-17C) may be vertically disposed into thedrawer 128 and the drawer pivoted upward along a horizontal axis andclosed under the shelf 124. When the drawer 126 is closed, or whencoffee making is initiated, the actuator 110 pushes downward into theholder 30 c to tamp the coffee 41 in the coffee holder 30 c. The coffeemaker 10 n may also include a drawer and actuator rotated 90 degreesallowing the coffee holder 30 a to be horizontally disposed into thedrawer, and the drawer horizontally closed to tamp the coffee 41. Whilethe coffee holder 30 c is a preferred coffee holder for use with thecoffee maker 10 o, the coffee holders 30 a and 30 b may alternatively beused with the coffee maker 10 o and such use is intended to come withinthe scope of the present invention. Further, while the actuator 110 is apreferred embodiment, the fixed tamper 122 may replace the actuator 110.

FIGS. 81A-81C show an embodiment of the coffee holder 10 p having afixed tamper 122 reaching down from a vertically translating upper shelf124, and a fixed drawer 132 (or shelf 104) for receiving the coffeeholder 30 c. The coffee holder 30 c (see FIGS. 15-17C) may be verticallydisposed into the drawer 132 and the vertically translating upper shelf124 vertically lowered over the coffee holder 30 c. When the upper shelf124 is lowered the tamper 122 pushes downward into the holder 30 c totamp the coffee 41 in the coffee holder 30 c. The coffee maker 10 p mayalso include a drawer 132 and translating tamper rotated 90 degreesallowing the coffee holder 30 a to be horizontally disposed into thedrawer, and the drawer horizontally closed to tamp the coffee 41. Whilethe coffee holder 30 c is a preferred coffee holder for use with thecoffee maker 10 n, the coffee holders 30 a and 30 b may alternatively beused with the coffee maker 10 n and such use is intended to come withinthe scope of the present invention. Further while the fixed tamper 122provides a low cost embodiment, the actuator 110 may replace the tamper122 or by a spring, for example, the spring 36 in FIG. 38B.

FIG. 82 shows a solenoid actuator 110 a according to the presentinvention. A water tube 15 provides a flow of water to the solenoidactuator 110 a. A piston 134 advances downward under the influence of amagnetic field created by a coil 135. The piston 134 may push a tampingspring 36 into a coffee housing, may push a coffee housing down over aspring 36, or may enter a coffee housing to tamp coffee inside thecoffee housing. The water is provided to the coffee housing through thenozzle 19.

FIG. 83 shows a solenoid actuator 110 a with a spray stream head 135according to the present invention. The spray stream head 135 replacesthe nozzle 19 and provides a dispersed spray into the coffee holder.

FIG. 84A shows a hydraulic actuator 110 b according to the presentinvention in an initial position and FIG. 84B shows the hydraulicactuator 110 b in a downward tamping position. The tamper 110 bresponded to the flow of water through the water tube 15 and the waterpressure pushes a tamper 136 downward to tamp the coffee in the coffeeholder. Seals 140 prevent water from leaking from the tamper 110 b andhelp guide the plunger 136. A spring 142 biases the tamper 136 to theinitial position in the absence of water pressure inside the hydraulicactuator 110 b. The hydraulic actuator 110 b thus automatically tampsthe coffee when the coffee maker is actuated.

FIG. 85A shows a second hydraulic actuator 110 c in an initial positionand FIG. 85B shows the hydraulic actuator 110 c in a downward extendedtamping position. The hydraulic actuator 110 c includes an anti-leaktube 138 having a closed upper end 138 a and an open lower end 138 b. Inthe initial position, a top end of the 19 a of the nozzle 19 resides inthe anti-leak tube 138 to prevent water from escaping the nozzle 19 andin the extended position the top end of the needle 19 a is clear of theanti-leak tube 138 allowing water to escape from the needle into thecoffee holder. The hydraulic actuator 110 c is otherwise similar to thehydraulic actuator 110 b.

Various embodiments have described cooperation with water or heatedwater. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other liquids may beused in drinks, and a drink maker according to the present inventionusing any liquid is intended to come within the scope of the presentinvention.

While the present invention is described above as placing loose coffeein a coffee holder, the invention may also be practiced by placingprepackaged coffee, for example coffee pods, into the coffee holder.Further, while the coffee holder is generally described as having a snapon lid, a screw on lid may also be used, and in general the variouselements of different embodiments of coffee holders and coffee makersdescribed above may be mixed to provide new embodiments and such newembodiments are intended to come within the scope of the presentinvention. Embodiments described including a coffee holder with a toptamping spring, bottom tamping spring, or not tamping spring aregenerally interchangeable, and merely substituting a different coffeeholder is intended to come within the scope of the present invention.

Further, many embodiments are described as including a coffee chambercomprising a filter paper cup. In many cases, a filter cup made of nylonmesh or metal mesh is equally suitable, and any coffee holder orcombination of coffee maker and coffee holder including a filter chamberwhich holds coffee and allows the coffee to be tamped as described aboveis intended to come within the scope of the present invention regardlessof the specific filter material.

While the invention herein disclosed has been described by means ofspecific embodiments and applications thereof, numerous modificationsand variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention set forth in the claims.

1. Apparatus for tamping coffee, the apparatus comprising: a coffeemaker including a hot water source; a reusable coffee holder configuredfor holding a portion of untamped coffee; the coffee holder receivableby the coffee maker allowing a coffee maker user to prepare a singleserving of coffee; the coffee holder removable from the coffee maker bythe coffee maker user after preparing the single serving of coffee forreuse of the coffee holder; the coffee maker configured to cooperatewith the coffee holder to reduce the space occupied by the untampedcoffee inside the coffee holder to tamp the untamped coffee; and thecoffee maker cooperating with the coffee holder and providing a flow ofhot water to the tamped coffee in the coffee holder to make a coffeedrink.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the coffee maker includes aceiling and platform having a ram; the coffee holder includes one of atop tamping spring and a bottom tamping spring; and the overall heightof the coffee holder and spring before tamping is less than theseparation of the platform and ceiling.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein: the coffee maker includes a horizontal platform and ceilinghaving a ram; the coffee holder includes one of a top tamping spring anda bottom tamping spring; and the overall height of the coffee holder andspring before tamping is less than the separation of the platform andceiling.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the coffee maker includesa ceiling and springed platform, the platform biased upward towards agenerally horizontal attitude; the coffee holder includes one of a toptamping spring and a bottom tamping spring; and the overall height ofthe coffee holder and spring before tamping is less than the separationof the ceiling and platform at the horizontal attitude.
 5. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein: the coffee maker includes a platform and springedceiling, the ceiling biased downward below a generally horizontalattitude, angled downward into the coffee maker; the coffee holderincludes one of a top tamping spring and a bottom tamping spring; andthe overall height of the coffee holder and spring before tamping isless than the separation of the platform and the angled downwardceiling.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the coffee maker includesa platform and a ceiling; an actuator resides in the platform; avertically moving member of the actuator movable upwards from an initialposition to an actuated position; the coffee holder includes one of atop tamping spring and a bottom tamping spring; the overall height ofthe coffee holder and spring before tamping allows insertion of thecoffee holder between the vertically moving member in the initialposition and the ceiling; and in the actuated position, the verticallymoving member tamps the coffee in the coffee holder.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein: the coffee maker includes a platform and a ceiling; anactuator resides in the platform; a vertically moving member of theactuator movable upwards from an initial position to an actuatedposition; the coffee holder includes a base having a passage allowingentry of the vertically moving member into the coffee holder; theoverall height of the coffee holder before tamping allows insertion ofthe coffee holder between the vertically moving member in the initialposition and the platform; and in the actuated position, the verticallymoving member tamps the coffee in the coffee holder.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein: the coffee maker includes a platform and a ceiling; anactuator resides in the ceiling; a vertically moving member of theactuator movable downwards from an initial position to an actuatedposition; the coffee holder includes one of a top tamping spring and abottom tamping spring; the overall height of the coffee holder andspring before tamping allows insertion of the coffee holder between thevertically moving member in the initial position and the platform; andin the actuated position, the vertically moving member tamps the coffeein the coffee holder.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the coffeemaker includes a platform and a ceiling; an actuator resides in theceiling; a vertically moving member of the actuator movable downwardsfrom an initial position to an actuated position; the coffee holderincludes a lid having a passage allowing entry of the vertically movingmember into the coffee holder; the overall height of the coffee holderbefore tamping allows insertion of the coffee holder between thevertically moving member in the initial position and the platform; andin the actuated position, the vertically moving member tamps the coffeein the coffee holder.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the coffeemaker includes a ceiling; parallel inward facing rails on a bottomsurface of the ceiling, separated by a rail width; an actuator residingin the ceiling; a vertically moving member of the actuator movabledownwards from an initial position to an actuated position; the coffeeholder includes a rim filling the rail width to retain the coffee holderbetween the rails; the coffee holder includes a passage allowing entryof the vertically moving member into the coffee holder; and in theactuated position, the vertically moving member enters the coffee holderand tamps the coffee in the coffee holder.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein: the coffee maker includes a ceiling and a drawer movable underthe ceiling between an open position and a closed position; an actuatorresiding in the ceiling; a vertically moving member of the actuatormovable downwards from an initial position to an actuated position; thecoffee holder insertable into the drawer in the open position andpositioned under the actuator in the closed position; the coffee holderincludes a passage allowing entry of the vertically moving member intothe coffee holder; and in the actuated position, the vertically movingmember enters the coffee holder and tamps the coffee in the coffeeholder.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the coffee maker includesa ceiling; a drawer vertically movable under the ceiling between a lowerposition and an upper position; a tamper extending down from theceiling; the coffee holder insertable into the drawer in the lowerposition; the coffee holder includes a passage allowing entry of thetamper into the coffee holder when the drawer is in the upper positionto tamp the coffee in the coffee holder.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein: the coffee maker includes a ceiling; a drawer verticallypivotable under the ceiling between a lower position and an upperposition; a tamper extending down from the ceiling; the coffee holderinsertable into the drawer in the lower position; the coffee holderincludes a passage allowing entry of the tamper into the coffee holderwhen the drawer is in the upper position to tamp the coffee in thecoffee holder.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the coffee makerincludes a ceiling; an actuator residing in the ceiling; a verticallymoving member of the actuator movable downwards from an initial positionto an actuated position; a drawer vertically pivotable under the ceilingbetween a lower position and an upper position; the coffee holderinsertable into the drawer in the lower position; the coffee holderincludes a passage allowing entry of the vertically moving member intothe coffee holder when the drawer is in the upper position to tamp thecoffee in the coffee holder.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: thecoffee maker includes a ceiling movable between an upper position and alower position; a tamper reaching down from the ceiling; a fixed drawer;the coffee holder insertable into the drawer when the ceiling is in theupper position; and the coffee holder includes a passage allowing entryof the tamper into the coffee holder when the ceiling is in the lowerposition to tamp the coffee in the coffee holder.
 16. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein: the coffee maker includes a solenoid actuator; thecoffee holder is positionable above or below the solenoid; and thecoffee holder includes a passage allowing entry of a movable portion ofthe solenoid into the coffee holder to tamp the coffee in the coffeeholder.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the coffee maker includesa hydraulic actuator; the hydraulic actuator includes a piston subjectto water pressure within the hydraulic actuator, the water pressureprovided by water used by the coffee maker to brew coffee; the coffeeholder is positionable below the hydraulic solenoid; and the coffeeholder includes a passage allowing entry of a movable portion of thehydraulic solenoid into the coffee holder to tamp the coffee in thecoffee holder.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein: the hydraulicactuator includes a nozzle attached to the piston and moving with thepiston; an anti-leak tube resided in the hydraulic actuator and a baseof the nozzle resides in the anti-leak tube when the hydraulic actuatoris not actuated to prevent leaking; and the base of the nozzle passesout of the anti-leak tube when the actuator is actuated to allow entryof water into the nozzle.